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Selectperson presses town manager on out‑of‑state economic development consultant choice
Summary
Selectperson Jeanie Forrester questioned the board’s decision to hire an out‑of‑state economic development firm; Manager Judie Milner said no New Hampshire firms applied and that the chosen firm has worked with hundreds of communities and will deliver a 90‑day plan with action items.
Selectperson Jeanie Forrester challenged the Select Board’s decision to hire an economic‑development firm based outside New Hampshire, asking whether a local firm could better understand the state’s tax and economic context. “I think it’s weird that we paid someone to come out and present for a job,” Forrester said, describing a preference for using in‑state consultants when possible.
Manager Judie Milner responded that no New Hampshire firms applied to the RFP and that the selected firm has served more than 475 communities across 29 states. Milner said the town asked the firm to visit Meredith to develop a tailored plan; she described the engagement as a 90‑day process that will include stakeholder interviews, data analysis and a final presentation with action items and priorities.
Board members said they wanted a clear final product and an opportunity to review deliverables. Milner said the firm will present findings and action items to the Select Board at the conclusion of the 90‑day engagement and that she would place the deliverable on a future agenda for review.
